Controlled synthesis of plate-like LiCoPO4 nanoparticles via supercritical method and their electrode property

LiCoPO4, a high voltage cathode material, was synthesized by supercritical solvothermal method at 400 °C for 4 min of reaction time. The synthesized plate like particles showed 50–200 nm in width, 100–300 nm in length and side length from 5 to 15 nm. The single phase of pristine particles was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis; the morphology and size were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The use of oleylamine played a vital role in designing the plate like morphology. The electrochemical property was investigated for carbon coated plate like LiCoPO4 cathode by galvanostatic charge–discharge method. The carbon coated LiCoPO4 particles exhibited 130 mAh g−1 for the first cycle and 98 mAh g−1 for the 10th cycle. The capacity fade was observed with cycle performance and rate performance was also investigated.

► Plate like LiCoPO4 nanoparticles diameter ranging from 50 to 200 nm were successfully synthesized via supercritical solvothermal method.
► The formation mechanism of plate like LiCoPO4 was investigated.
► The structural and morphological characterizations was systematically carried out.
► The electrochemical property was measured for this high voltage cathode materials after coating of conductive carbon.